Approximately 50% of marriages end in divorce. This is a very scary statistic. How can you make sure your relationship lasts? All couples experience conflict; few are equipped to handle their differences. Relationship counseling provides a safe place to learn how to address your stuck points in a constructive and healing way.

Who comes to counseling?

Typically couples who:

Have suffered years of frustration and silence

Feel stuck, angry, or bored but want to move forward

Have built up lots of resentment

Have been hurt from dishonesty

Are afraid to say what they want and need

Are afraid of a partner's defensiveness, anger, or worse... disinterest

The goals of marriage / couple counseling are to:

Build a vision and set positive goals for the future

Articulate needs and wishes

Build collaboration and friendship

Re-instill 'fun' back into the relationship

A good counselor does not take sides, does not point fingers. A good counselor acknowledges that YOU are the expert in your relationship. I will help you be more aware of the dynamics in your relationship, help you articulate your 'needs', and help you decide what can be changed in the relationship. Counseling is present and future focused. The past will not be dwelled on.

What is needed for a successful counseling experience?

Honesty

Willingness to listen

Commitment to make change

Sense of Humor

Acceptance that little changes lead to bigger changes

Accept responsibility for mistakes

Willingness to forgive (not forget)

Willingness to do homework outside of counseling sessions

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that counseling will repair your relationship. But the longer you suffer, the more scars will develop.